You can find relief from psoriasis with careful care

Psoriasis is a sometimes embarrassing condition that leads to red, scaly, dry patches of skin. It is caused when the life cycle of skin cells speeds up. This is a chronic condition that doesn’t have a cure. It is possible to treat the symptoms and make lifestyle changes that reduce the chance that the production of skin cells will speed up.

There are many different types of psoriasis and many ways that you might be able to reduce the severity of outbreaks when they do appear. It is important to keep control of your health, even when you don’t have any symptoms.

Types of psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It causes plaques, which are raised, red, dry skin lesions that have silvery scales on them. These can occur anywhere on the body, including the soft tissues. It can be very itchy or even painful.

Inverse psoriasis occurs in the groin, in the armpits, around the genitals or under the breasts. The areas of inflamed skin are smooth and red. It is sometimes triggered by a fungal infection, and it might get worse when you sweat or with friction.

Nail psoriasis impacts the nails to cause abnormal growth, discoloration and pitting. The nail might crumble, and it may separate from the nail bed. The toenails and fingernails may be affected.

Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon form that causes pus-filled blisters that are tender and red. While it can impact smaller areas of the body, such as the fingertips, feet and hands, it can also occur in widespread areas. When widespread areas are impacted, you might have diarrhea, chills, fever and severe itching.

Psoriatic arthritis causes inflamed skin that scales, but it can also impact the joints. Your nails might also be affected. Progressive joint damage can occur in cases that are very serious. This can be painful and itchy.

Guttate psoriasis can affect children and young adults. It leaves patches that look like water droplets on the scalp, legs, arms and trunk. It is commonly triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat.

Erythrodermic psoriasis can cover the entire body with a peeling rash that burns and itches. This is the least common type of psoriasis.

Treating psoriasis

The doctors at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center can diagnose the type of psoriasis that you have and help you find a treatment plan that works for your needs. This can include a host of different medications, as well as other changes and therapies.

Topical medications and treatments like corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, salicylic acids, moisturizers and coal tar can help curb symptoms. Calceineurin inhibitors and anthralin are sometimes used; however, the risks associated with these medications must be weighed carefully against the benefits.

Phototherapy, oral medications and injections are sometimes used. These are sometimes reserved for more severe cases of the condition. When they are used, they are usually only one component of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Contact us

Our doctors can help you find a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle. Contact us or make an appointment online with Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center to get started.

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